Queensland tests to toughen up for learner drivers

THE road from L- to P-plates will be made more challenging from this month as the state government attempts to prevent more young deaths on Queensland roads.

But the LNP opposition has demanded credit for the move, saying the Newman government had started the process three years ago and accused Labor of plagiarising its ideas.

However, a Bligh Labor government discussion paper released in 2011 foreshadowed many of the changes.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the new Q-SAFE practical driving test, which would shift more focus towards potentially dangerous situations, would make it harder for learner-drivers to get their drivers' licences.

Under the Q-SAFE system, learner-drivers would be tested on merging lanes at higher speeds and safely turning across oncoming traffic.